Lifelong Grays Harbor resident Georgia “Jo” Darlene Briscoe passed away Sunday, July 14, 2024, at The Beehive Assisted Living Center in McCleary. She was 91. Georgia was born May 16, 1933, in Elma, Washington to Willis and Katie (Davis) Bell. Georgia was raised in Oakville and graduated from Oakville High School in 1951 as class valedictorian.
She married Louie Frank Burch Sr. on July 21, 1950; he was killed during the Korean War while serving in the U.S. Army.
On May 24, 1952, Jo married Donald Raymond Briscoe. They moved to Montesano in 1960 where they raised their family. He passed away on Nov. 29, 2010.
Georgia earned her LPN degree in 1981 and worked at Mark Reed Hospital and the nursing home in Montesano. She was an active member of The Assembly of God Church in Montesano. She enjoyed dancing in her youth, camping, crocheting, crossword puzzles, cooking, baking, Bible study, reading, and attending grandchildren’s activities. Jo loved babies and her life was centered around her family. We all loved hearing her stories.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Herb Bell, Richard Taylor, Charles Taylor, Ruby Harris, Malitha Curry, Lois Hyatt, Ruth Stewart, Jesse Lee Bell, and Dorothy Perkins.
Georgia is survived by her five children: Louie Burch of McCleary, Lloyd (Jeannie) Briscoe of Raymond, Debbie (Dave) Wisdom of Montesano, Dean (Lori) Briscoe of Marysville and Pam Briscoe of Olympia; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Mom, you will always be remembered for your smile, kindness, love, and dedication.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m., on Saturday, July 27, at McCleary Rock Harbor Church. Georgia will then be laid to rest at the McCleary Cemetery followed by a reception at the church.
Memorial donations are suggested to Fred Hutch Research Center in Seattle or to a breast cancer charity of your choice. To share memories or to sign the online book of memories please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary in Montesano.
